The IQAir Filter: synergistic approach

IQAir filtration media is tightly sealed to the frame, which is locked into the purifier's housing by pressure on three sides.

Finally, seals on every module ensure an airtight assembly. The design allows changing just the independent air filtering stage that is dirty without tools.

Advanced electronic monitoring evaluates each filters use, speed settings and air quality conditions. This is real monitoring with a dedicated microprocessor chip for each stage measuring static air pressure and air flow. LED lights change from green to orange to red to signal needed replacement of media.

But note this machine does not have sensors for automated fan control.

IQAir Stage 1: Awesome, Efficient Prefilters

The IQAir air purifier features the most elaborate prefilter I have seen.

Many less expensive purifiers have less actual filter capacity than the IQAir prefilter. Typical prefilters have efficiencies well below 20%, allowing unfiltered large particles into the inner filtration media.

Using 25 square feet of high tech filtration media, this prefilter retains over 90% of the incoming particle weight.

Using a pleated design with solvent free separators, encased in CFC-free expanded high density polystyrene, the prefilter alone is an incredible 55% efficient at 0.3 microns. Many HEPA air purifiers on the market, considered as a unit, cannot match the prefilter on IQAirs.

IQAir Stage 2: V5-Cell Gas & Odor

The V-5 gas and odor filter has 5 lbs. of activated carbon and alumina impregnated with potassium permanganate, 50/50 by volume, for reduction of gas toxins and odors. Competing units employ potassium iodide and zeolite alongside the granulated carbon.

Potassium Permanganate is a powerful oxidizer, eliminating VOC gas toxins on contact. This is why the V5-Cell, and the IQAirs as a whole, weigh less, and cost more, than competing purifiers.

Stage 3: Cleanroom grade HEPA

The IQAir HEPA filter is mini-pleated, with solvent-free separators, made of patented expanded polystyrene (EPS), CFC-free construction. This certified H12/13 class HEPA filter is, at 40 square feet, smaller than competing units.

It is guaranteed at least 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns. Constructed of wet laid micro-glass fibers, its sub-.3 micron performance is; 99.95% efficient at 0.16 microns at 112 cfm air flow and Class H12, 99.5% efficient at 0.22 microns at 112 to 280 cfm air flow.

Expected filter life is; 6 to 18 months for the prefilter, 2 to 4 years for the HEPA Filter, and 1 to 2 years for V5 Gas and Odor.

Figuring an average life of 9 months per prefilter, 3 years for HEPA, and 18 months for the gas module, I get a maximum of $209 for annual filter costs.

This gives a maintenance cost to purchase ratio of nearly 4, outstanding. Some inadequately prefiltered HEPA purifiers have a ratio of 1.0, meaning replacement cartridges equal the cost of the machine in one year.

Actual replacement costs could run much lower, depending on conditions. Repainting or remodeling? Expect to replace media.

My machine has now run for two years, but is assisted by others in a clean environment. I finally got an orange light for stage one: $59.00. HEPA and Gas cartridges still show green.